Report: Detroit Lions looking to trade cornerback Alphonso Smith

AP File PhotoDetroit would pick up about $500,000 in salary cap room if it unloaded cornerback Alphonso Smith, as reported by Jason LaCanfora of the NFL Network.

Alphonso Smith is on the market for the Detroit Lions, according to NFL Network reporter Jason LaCanfora. Smith, a fourth-year cornerback had three interceptions in 2011, including one returned for a touchdown.

The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder had a hot start to 2010 with five picks in the team's first eight games, including one returned for a touchdown.

Detroit acquired Smith, Denver's second-round pick (37th overall) in 2009, for tight end Dan Gronkowski. He is scheduled to earn nearly $900,000, but would give the about $500,000 in salary cap relief, after accounting for his bonus, if traded – depending on who or what they got in return.

With a plethora of their own free agents to sign, and relatively little cap space to work with, the Lions are looking for different ways to save money.

Including Smith, the Lions have five cornerbacks under contract for 2012. They're still trying to re-sign cornerback Eric Wright, according to general manager Martin Mayhew.